Bright but chilly start to season

Local cricket sides Ellon Gordon and Methlick got their respective seasons off to winning starts despite the cold weather which swept across the region, writes Jack Nixon.

Brian Veldsman was among seven centurions in the Aberdeenshire Grades, helping Ellon Gordon to an impressive seven wicket win at the Gordon Park where Lahore Karahi were dismissed for 165 thanks to the efforts of Richard Greenfield who took three for 34, while captain Scott White chipped in with two for 25 before going on to score 23 in his side’s reply.

The Ellon innings was, however, dominated by Veldsman who carried his bat for a priceless knock of 111.

White said: “Brian was quite immense. It’s a great start to our season.”.

Methlick shrugged off the disappointment of being relegated by committee at Lairds, easing to a two-wicket win against newly promoted Academy based on fine aggressive bowling and fielding performance which enabled them dismiss their opponents for 131. The pick of the MCC bowlers were Brian Anderson and Tom Duffy who grabbed two wickets apiece before Mike Bremmenson helped his side over the line with a sensible unbeaten 29 while others in the Methlick batting line-up were losing their heads, not to mention wickets.

Shaun Murphy was an exception sticking around for an invaluable 24 before being one of the eight wickets to fall before victory was assured.